Don’t know anything about Mantis but literally just got a Strikeman. Set it up and have started using it over the last week.

Initial impression is favorable. At this point for me it‘s like dry firing yet there is feedback about where you are hitting. Time will tell but it is nice to fire in the comfort of home as travel to the range is limited for me right now. The app is pretty straightforward to use. I did review some YouTube vids that with the latest App were favorable.

I have no idea how these different systems stack up against one another. I literally got an email that they were offering these at a sale price and it was an impulse buy. I’ve certainly spent money more foolishly.

 

I got the G Sight laser and I think it helps. I used it to dial in my Holosun red dot and it was pretty spot on at the range.

 

Have not tried it myself but for a lot less I am very happy with a laser training cartridge for dry fire practice and it is not only effective but makes dry fire a lot more fun. With the laser cartridge I can see how changes in grip can affect accuracy that I would never have noticed with fry fire watching just the sights alone.

I use my laser training cartridge quite a bit to keep me tuned up between range trips that have not been as frequent as the once a month I used to do pre Covid days, and it really helps.

Amazon.com : Pink Rhino - 9mm Laser Bullet - Dry Fire Trainer-Integrated Snap Cap for Dry Fire Training : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Pink Rhino - 9mm Laser Bullet - Dry Fire Trainer-Integrated Snap Cap for Dry Fire Training : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

I had not shot my 1911 in over a year. I changed the MSH out for an arched one and then pacticed dry firing with a Pink Rhino .45 laser training cartridge before going to the range to try and help preserve my stash of .45 ammo that is very expensive to replace these days. I was happy with the results of the range trip to try it out after that. A magazine shot at 7 yards.

 

Professional Opinion??

 

I have one. I've been playing with it. Jury is still out on my thoughts

 

I have one; actually got it to write an article about it for Front Sight.

It functions perfectly; syncs up, durable, reliable easy to get up and running, etc.

In terms of being a USEFUL tool for dryfire.....meh. I think younger/millenial types will like finding yet another reason to play with their phone, but it really wasn't better than dryfire or dryfire with a timer.

 

...it really wasn't better than dryfire or dryfire with a timer.

I respectably disagree. I dry fired a lot before buying the Mantis X as one of my training tools. I could pull the trigger balancing a penny on my front sight. But by eye I have trouble seeing the difference between an 86% pull and a 94%+ pull as measured by this tool. It gives objective, unflinching data. I had a personal 90 point GSSF match score improvement from 388 to 483 in one month of training with it. I'm looking forward to edging up further into 500 club range.

Is it the end all be all, no. But it is a useful tool. It gives objective data and documents it in a way that is not trivial to gather completely unless you paused after each shot with a pencil and notebook and wrote down the micrometer arc of movement observed in each repetition. My scores are consistently improving as I honed in on my grip and trigger press within about 7k dry fire reps with the tool.

In open training mode I have it read out the score when each breaks. 97, 90, 94, 82 ... whoops got sloppy - focus grip, breath, squeeze 97, 93, etc... I practice fixing the defect without looking down at the phone.

 

Is that the same kit you can use when you use live ammo? The one that shows pre and post firing movement?

 

Yes. Mantis X does this.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I have one also. Dryfire is good. Live fire is where it will help you the best I think. The app is good because it starts you off with your basic shooting and gives you a score of up to 100, based on your X through 6 rings.

You then are able to work through the app with a variety of different types of shooting, drawing holster, speed drills, one hand only, shot timer, reload drills, etc.

Its more than I would have liked to pay but worth the price of admission if you are going to commit.

…Ron

 

I keep seeing kits like this advertised all over the net and what not -

Mantis | Dry Fire Training System & Training Aids

MantisX is a revolutionary shooting analysis system that helps shooters of all levels. Improve shooting more rapidly in the home or at the range.

mantisx.com

Anyone try one of these yet? Curious if they really help ?

Thanks -

Biased opinion- Yes. The MantisX takes a coaching approach to shooting and feels the movement of the gun during the trigger press process. It also gives potential solutions based on that movement and where the shot breaks.

The Laser Academy system is designed to be more of a range/test analog. If you are shooting high scores with MantisX, then you will be hitting your intended target. If not, just getting the laser hits on the target may not be as meaningful.

Most shooters see greater improvement of their shooting ability using the MantisX system.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

I'm not intimately familiar with the function of the Mantis X software, but like others, I purchased the Pink Rhino laser bullet for $40 Pink Rhino Laser- Amazon then downloaded the G-Sight software. The basic software is free and $5 to upgrade. It doesn't have the fancy features that the Mantis X does, but I believe the Mantis X requires rails and would require me to remove my TLR-6 light.

The one thing about the laser bullet, which probably makes the Mantis X better is that the POA and laser POI are different than live fire. When my 43x (my only Glock) is zeroed in for live fire POA/POI congruence (TLR-6 and iron sides co-witness and impact is the same with both) the Pink Rhino POI is high and right. Knowing that I can live with high and right laser printing as long as the groups are tight and consistent, which they usually are. So in general, especially for the cost I like the Pink Rhino/G-sight combination. It's mostly helped me to be consistent with reading my sights and shows when my trigger pull is inconsistent.

Alternately, while I can't use software with a continuous laser, I also train with the laser on my TLR-6 as it helps me see how well I can hold on a spot on a target (or object) and helps to determine if there is excess (or any) movement on the laser's position when I pull the trigger. Obviously live fire adds other elements such as jerking in anticipation and proper grip in response to the ignition and recoil.

But getting back to the Mantis X, if you have a way to hang it on your pistol you might like it. Laser dry fire sure does save a lot of ammo costs that weren't a concern some years ago.

 

I'm not intimately familiar with the function of the Mantis X software, but like others, I purchased the Pink Rhino laser bullet for $40 Pink Rhino Laser- Amazon then downloaded the G-Sight software. The basic software is free and $5 to upgrade. It doesn't have the fancy features that the Mantis X does, but I believe the Mantis X requires rails and would require me to remove my TLR-6 light.

The one thing about the laser bullet, which probably makes the Mantis X better is that the POA and laser POI are different than live fire. When my 43x (my only Glock) is zeroed in for live fire POA/POI congruence (TLR-6 and iron sides co-witness and impact is the same with both) the Pink Rhino POI is high and right. Knowing that I can live with high and right laser printing as long as the groups are tight and consistent, which they usually are. So in general, especially for the cost I like the Pink Rhino/G-sight combination. It's mostly helped me to be consistent with reading my sights and shows when my trigger pull is inconsistent.

Alternately, while I can't use software with a continuous laser, I also train with the laser on my TLR-6 as it helps me see how well I can hold on a spot on a target (or object) and helps to determine if there is excess (or any) movement on the laser's position when I pull the trigger. Obviously live fire adds other elements such as jerking in anticipation and proper grip in response to the ignition and recoil.

But getting back to the Mantis X, if you have a way to hang it on your pistol you might like it. Laser dry fire sure does save a lot of ammo costs that weren't a concern some years ago.

I have a little drift in mine. It can happen a few ways. One think I try to do is keep the o-rings lightly lubricated. If I see the shift on the target, I will lock the slide back, push up on the laser with the rubber side of a pencil or dowel rod. Once it is lose of the chamber but still in the gun, rotate the direction you need to over come the deviation in sight.

There is also the Laser Academy app by Mantis. It uses their smart targets that you can get as a free download. There are 5 drills that start out for free and can be added to later. There is also a ballistic offset feature that can also account for the change in POI/POA.

 

Have one and love it so far. It add quantifiable score to your dry fire which IMO is better than my WAG. You can review the track and see your gun move even if you don’t notice sights moving. In that it’s good. Not sure about the diagnostics, but YMMV.

I like that you can use slow fire, with timer, with holster… pretty much run a dry fire session to your hearts content. Dry fire helped my quite a bit as I learned to shoot. With COVID, ammo, work, family and all the other excuses to shoot fewer live rounds it’s kept me somewhat current.

I’m thinking about adding a cool fire doohickey to the set up and some laser targets I have. Might be a decent combo with light recoil management as live transition training vs. racking slide all the time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I run Mantis scenarios with scaled USPSA-style dry fire targets purchased from Ben Steoger's Pro Shop Ben Stoeger Pro Shop | USPSA, IDPA, 3-Gun Gear, Guns, Parts. For a simulated plate rack, I've taken Mr. Stoeger's transition drill and modified it so that I aim at the "last plate" in battery, shift my eyes to the next one, pivot my natural point of aim the pistol until the front sight hits my focus, and then dry fire press. It's very satisfying when the Mantis records that as a 95%+...that is a lot of movement going on that can be tricky to pay full attention to without the tool.

My personal goal is to get to GSSF Master Class within 3 years. I see it like training for a black belt or anything else that is hard and takes consistent practice over time under tutelage. This is one tool amongst several to assist in moving towards that goal.

 

I run Mantis scenarios with scaled USPSA-style dry fire targets purchased from Ben Steoger's Pro Shop Ben Stoeger Pro Shop | USPSA, IDPA, 3-Gun Gear, Guns, Parts. For a simulated plate rack, I've taken Mr. Stoeger's transition drill and modified it so that I aim at the "last plate" in battery, shift my eyes to the next one, pivot my natural point of aim the pistol until the front sight hits my focus, and then dry fire press. It's very satisfying when the Mantis records that as a 95%+...that is a lot of movement going on that can be tricky to pay full attention to without the tool.

My personal goal is to get to GSSF Master Class within 3 years. I see it like training for a black belt or anything else that is hard and takes consistent practice over time under tutelage. This is one tool amongst several to assist in moving towards that goal.

great goals. Ben's targets and books are great and address a lot of the skills that are needed to progress through the action shooting sports.

 

Reviving a year-old thread. I'm surprised there aren't more discussions about the Mantis X on a forum this large.

You name a dry fire gadget, and there's a good chance I have it. I've tried just about everything out there.

I just got my Mantis X10 Elite today. It arrived shortly after I got back home from the range where I had my first pistol shooting coaching session (with a live human coach) in a very long time. It went well. I've been battling low-left and flinch demons.

I've played with my new Mantis X a bit with dry fire at home this afternoon and evening. I've got to say I'm impressed! This thing is COOL!

Even cooler is that it's made for LIVE FIRE analysis, as well. I think that's where the real value will be. I dry fire better than live fire. Something about an explosion in your hands, I suppose.

So tomorrow I'm headed back to the range for some solo practice with the new Mantis X Elite. I'm quite excited and interested to see how it compares and collaborates with what my live instructor said.

I made this quick video demonstrating the shot playback feature of the Mantis X10 (on both Rumble and Odysee, if you have a preference):

Mantis X10 Elite Shot DRY FIRE Shot Playback Demonstration

This is a quick demonstration of the shot playback feature of the Mantix X10 Elite system. This was dry fire at home, aiming at a target on the wall in the living room.

rumble.com

Mantis X10 Elite DRY FIRE Shot Playback Demonstration

This is a quick demonstration of the shot playback feature of the Mantix X10 Elite system. This was dry fire at home, aiming at a target on the wall in the living room.

odysee.com

 

...Even cooler is that it's made for LIVE FIRE analysis, as well. I think that's where the real value will be. I dry fire better than live fire. Something about an explosion in your hands, I suppose....

Keep at it. I just met the NRA MQP Expert level with one handed shooting and posted my highest to-date GSSF indoor league score of a 491/500. The Mantis X coaching has been a big part of my practice routine. Over 32k reps in to date with it.

I'll soon go for the Distinguished Expert level and hope to get my first 500/500 perfect score soon.

I will say, don't get onto the Mall Ninja training routine. I am stuck on the 10 ever increasing score stage. I hate training negative and basically have a realy hard time throwing shots anymore. i am focused on keeping my average closer and closer to the high 90s every shot.

I find it useful to enable audio feedback with the ding. It's like shooting virtual steel. You can up the threshold as you improve.

I am posting single handed week hand scores in the 95-97 range these days (at least for some reps). It's fantastic from where I started.

They very recently added a par timer mode. That is extremely helpful doing range practice and things like the NRA MQP. Replaces some of the need for a separate shot timer. I have used it to track my times when timing is important to meet certain standards.

 

I bought a MantisX10 about a year and a half ago, with adapters for different guns, along with Pink Rhino laser cartridges.

IMO, the laser cartridges and a shot timer app provide more training value than the MantisX10.

 

IMO, the laser cartridges and a shot timer app provide more training value than the MantisX10.

I could see that. For me, I focus on the total feeling of every 95%+ shot. How I felt, breath, my natural point of aim, the feeling of my trigger finger and the position of my knuckle, the feeling of my support hand grip clamping down on my primary, the perception of my heart rate, my cadence. I want to focus on that feeling and my ability to reproduce it faithfully on demand in dry and live fire.

I use my breaths to time myself in competition. Through practice I am learning to breath at specific par times consistently.

It is also really good to do some cardio, jumping jacks, a few dozen pushups, etc, when you dry fire to try to simulate some of he adreneline you would have at the range.

I don't own a laser cartraige at this point. I usually use a barrel block safety device when dry firing in the basement.

 

I personally didn't claim any of the patches. Just not something I am interested in having. Did finish all the coureses though. You can just decline to give them your address when unlocking each stage.

 

Another random range training tip. Go to the range after giving blood for some fun adverse conditiion training. Drink plenty of water and embrace the dizziness. I did this once.

 

Is that kinda like doing tequila shots? LOL!

 

The Mantis X worked perfectly with my SIRT pistol. Though, I find getting a smooth trigger press more challenging with the SIRT.

 

After a private coaching session yesterday, then 150 dry fire "shots" with the Mantis X last night, I went to the range today and tried some live fire. I saw noticeable improvement! Today's target on the right. A similar target with the same ammo and distance from 2 weeks ago. This is with my PFC9 / Holosun (new EDC).

Notes on today's target (right)... From groups 1 - 3 (middle, top, bottom), I got progressively better.
Check out group 3 (bottom)!
Then opened up in groups 4 & 5 (right, left) as I got fatigued. But, overall a significant improvement, I think!

 

I want to buy the Mantis X10, but my primary CCW is a Glock 43x MOS and from my understanding, the sensor doesn't fit on the 43X front rail without an adapter. I do have a Glock 19, as well, but I've heard the fit is tough on that rail, too.

I know there's a mag adapter for the sensor for the 43X, but I'm not sure how that would work as compared to a rail-mounted sensor.

 

I know there's a mag adapter for the sensor for the 43X, but I'm not sure how that would work as compared to a rail-mounted sensor.

It works fine. Is also needed to do holster draw stuff.

 

Here's a montage I made to match the Mantis X analysis with each group on my first live fire target using it. Bear in mind that the Mantis X mapping does not necessarily correlate with or predict the POI (point of impact). Though you may see some correlation. It only indicates movement during the shots.

 

Here's a montage I made to match the Mantis X analysis with each group on my first live fire target using it. Bear in mind that the Mantis X mapping does not necessarily correlate with or predict the POI (point of impact). Though you may see some correlation. It only indicates movement during the shots.
View attachment 1124767

Thanks for this. That's pretty awesome feedback and information!

I think I'm going to order it soon. I was just worried about not being able to use the front rail mount, but I'll make do with the mag adapter if I get it.

 

A timer and dryfire work just as well.

You can get all the diagnostic information you need by watching the sights or dot. Confirmation with live fire.

 

I've got timers. I've got dry fire laser apps. I've got dry fire lasers. I've got dry fire everything.

This is a different level of diagnostic information. AND... it can be used with LIVE fire, which I find even more useful. Live fire is when my demons show up.

 

If it works for you great, I think it's an unnecessary waste of money.

 

ALL of this is an unnecessary waste of money!

But, it beats drinking, gambling, drugs, and divorce. 🙃

 

Here's a cool feature of the Mantis X app. Tracing of your movement before, during, and after the shot. This time it's live fire.

Mantis X Elite Shot Movement Tracing (live fire)

Movement tracing of two shots (one bad, one good).

rumble.com